Heritage foundation finds new home

The Willamette Falls Heritage Foundation, temporarily homeless after losing its rent-free space when the Blue Heron paper company closed in February, has found another home in Oregon City.

The foundation moved into 460 square feet in the Promenade Building at 421 High St., Suite 1, in April and held an open house on Friday afternoon. The group signed a one-year renewable lease on the space, said director Sandy Carter, and are, 'really happy to be here.'

On Friday, Carter and office assistant Lauri Burns greeted a steady stream of visitors checking out the new office and looking for copies of Carter's new book, '$1.09 an Hour and Glad to Have It,' a compilation of 17 interviews with retired Crown Zellerbach millworkers.

The foundation's new home is next to the bluff overlooking the Blue Heron site, an historic location Carter appreciates. 'It's much easier to be visited here,' she noted.

She said the foundation office will be staffed about 10 hours per week for now and that those wanting to visit and check out the historic photos, posters, artwork and other items on display can make arrangements by calling a day or two ahead to 503-650-9570.

The Willamette Falls Heritage Foundation formed in 1997 out of a West Linn leadership program and was incorporated as a nonprofit in 2002, Carter said. She said the group had been at the Blue Heron site since 2006 and had to move out Feb. 28 with just three-days notice.

More information on the foundation, Carter's book and history of the area can be found at www.willamettefalls.org.